THE MESSENGER
A Publication for North Arkansas Electric Cooperative Members
No tricks, just treats
Board discusses member proposals, makes change going forward
The North Arkansas Electric Cooperative Board of Directors discussed seven member-submitted proposals during a special meeting July 24 at the Salem office. Directors in attendance included: President Cameron Davis, Vice President Beth Carter, Secretary/Treasurer Sonya Wiles, Larry Goodwin, Ted Kerley, Heather Loftis, Marc Walling and Dennis Wiles. CEO Mel Coleman and Roger Morgan, NAEC’s attorney, also were present.
A group of members previously had submitted the proposals to the board, and they were posted to naeci.com and available at co-op offices in June. Members had the opportunity to speak for or against them at the 2025 Annual Meeting at the Salem Civic Center on June 19.
The member proposals in their entirety, as well as members’ statements for and against them, may be found in the news section of naeci.com. Members also may request a paper copy at any NAEC office. In addition, a recording of the 2025 Annual Meeting is posted at naeci.com/naec-annual-meeting. Member proposals are addressed under new business beginning at the 3:20 mark.
At the July 24 special board meeting, Morgan provided legal guidance to directors in advance of their discussion. He said that the proposals dealt with areas in which only the board has been given the legal authority to act, and the proposals are not subject to a vote of the membership. He specifically referenced Arkansas Code Annotated 23-18-321(a)(1), which, among other things, vests authority to manage a co-op’s financial affairs and alter bylaws in the elected board.
The board carefully considered each member proposal. They voted unanimously to post a summary of each board meeting to naeci.com moving forward. Although no immediate changes were made to the bylaws or board policies, the board is committed to a deeper review of the board nomination process and the composition of board positions to ensure strong representation across the co-op’s service area.
Right lighting makes rooms cozier, more efficient
Lighting is something most of us don’t think much about — until it’s wrong. Maybe the living room feels too dim for reading, or the kitchen lights cast an odd yellow glow. We often grab whatever bulb or fixture looks good without considering how it will actually perform in the space. With a little planning, though, you can make your home brighter, cozier and more energy efficient.
Watts vs. Lumens
When you’re shopping for light bulbs, it’s easy to focus on watts, but watts only measure how much energy a bulb uses. When it comes to brightness, what really matters is the lumen count. Lumens measure the actual light output. For example, an 800-lumen bulb gives off about the same amount of light as an old-fashioned 60-watt incandescent bulb. (You’ve likely replaced all incandescent bulbs with long-lasting, energy efficient LEDs. If not, it’s time to make the switch!)
A helpful rule of thumb: higher lumens mean brighter light, and lower watts mean less energy consumed. Remember to check wattage ratings for fixtures, and only install bulbs that meet the fixture’s wattage safety requirements.
Color Temperature, Consistency
Light bulbs also vary in color temperature, which ranges from warm yellow to cool white or even bluish tones. This detail often gets overlooked — until you replace one bulb and notice the new light doesn’t quite match the others.
Dimmers and Switches
Installing dimmers instead of stan-
Employees, from left, Abby Worrell, Vanis Davidson, Amanda Cooley and Rosella Lewis dole out candy and water at Mountain Home Parks and Recreation’s Trunk or Treat on Oct. 11.
dard on/off switches can be a game changer. Dimmers give you more control over brightness, help save energy and create a more comfortable atmosphere. Not all bulbs are dimmable, so check labels before buying.
While you’re thinking about switches, consider whether you have enough of them — and in the right places. A light you only can turn off from one end of a hallway quickly becomes annoying. For new installations or upgrades, it’s best to hire a licensed electrician to ensure everything is wired safely and efficiently.
Fixtures: Form Meets Function
Bulbs are only part of the equation; fixtures matter too. Each type serves a purpose. Ambient lighting, such as sconces or glass-covered ceiling fixtures, provides general illumination. Task lighting, such as pendants, desk lamps or track lighting, focuses light where you need it most.
When choosing a fixture, think beyond looks. Ask yourself: does this light provide the right amount of brightness for the space? A beautiful chandelier might look perfect over the dining table but leave the rest of the room too dim. Alternatively, an oversized fixture could flood the room with more light than you need, wasting both energy and money.
Smart Lighting: Efficiency Meets Convenience
Smart lighting adds another layer of control for illuminating your home. However, the real magic is convenience. With smart bulbs, you can adjust brightness, set schedules or change colors from your phone or a voice assistant, such as Alexa or Google Assistant. Want the lights to dim automatically for movie night? Or to turn on before you get home? Smart bulbs make it easy.
Smart lighting also lets you personalize your space. You can go classic with warm white tones or experiment with colors to set the mood — anything from a soft glow for winding down to vibrant hues for a party. Remember, smart bulbs still rely on power from your wall switch, which needs to stay in the “on” position for remote controls to work. If you prefer using a physical switch, consider pairing smart bulbs with a smart light switch. Many smart switches also come with motion detectors, adding another level of efficiency and convenience.
Good lighting doesn’t just make your home look better; it makes it feel better, too. With a little planning, you can create spaces that are welcoming, functional and energy efficient. Whether you stick to traditional bulbs and fixtures or explore the flexibility of smart lighting, thoughtful choices today will brighten your home for years to come.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP OF THE MONTH
With the holiday season approaching and more time spent in the kitchen, consider ways to save energy in the heart of your home. When possible, cook meals with smaller, energy efficient appliances, such as toaster ovens, slow cookers and air fryers. When using the range, match the size of the pan to the heating element. Keep range-top burners and reflectors clean, so they reflect heat more efficiently. After meals, load the dishwasher fully before starting the wash cycle. — energy.gov
